How did political campaigns get so expensive?
The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and it’s gearing up to be the most expensive election in American history. So how did we get here, where every election feels more expensive than the last? Today on the show, we’re exploring what’s causing the flood of money into our politics. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez . Your Next Listen – Bad economics, smart politics –Over 2,000 episodes in our archive on the NPR App Connect with The Indicator from Planet Money – The Indicator newsletter —
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How did political campaigns get so expensive?
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
0:00Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
0:04We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
0:09The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
0:14Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
0:19Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
0:24